Handling of unique identifiers for stations

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to facilitate an exchange of messages between an access point and a station, wherein the access point requests a unique identifier from the station. The station may either respond with a message declining to provide a unique identifier or respond with a message including a unique identifier to be used by the access point for the station. The response from the station may include additional limitations on the use of the unique identifier by the access point. The access point may enforce different policies against a station depending upon how the station responds to the unique identifier request.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of both U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/792,744, entitled “Handling of Randomized MAC Addresses in 802.11,” which was filed on Jan. 15, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/875,279, entitled “Handling of Randomized MAC Addresses in 802.11,” which was filed on Jul. 17, 2019, and both 62/792,744 and 62/875,279 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to an improved handling of unique identifiers for stations.

BACKGROUND

Wireless devices (e.g., WLAN (wireless local area network) or Wi-Fi devices) are increasingly adopting randomized MAC (media access control) addresses. This poses a problem for many parts of WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) infrastructure that may use a MAC address of a wireless device as a unique identifier for the wireless device.

Different users may have different expectations or requirements for privacy. Some users may prioritize privacy above other considerations. For example, an end user in a public area may not wish to allow their presence to be tracked, while an end user at home may see value in allowing a device to be recognized and tracked so that other features, such as parental controls, can operate as expected.

Because many users take advantage of the current systems, they will experience a perceived loss of utility when they are forced to log in every time because the access point 115 or a supervising system will not recognize the station 105. These users may view the ability to use a stored, randomized MAC address as still providing them with privacy when it really does not.

Therefore, it is desirable to improve upon methods and systems for handling unique identifiers for stations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example network environment operable to facilitate management of a unique identifier for a station.

FIG. 2A shows an example format for a unique identifier request.

FIG. 2B shows an example format for a unique identifier response.

FIG. 3A shows an example format for a unique identifier request that includes an ID (identifier) query action field.

FIG. 3B shows an example format for a unique identifier response that includes an ID query action field.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example access point operable to facilitate management of a unique identifier for a station.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example process operable to facilitate managing a unique identifier recovered from a unique identifier response that is received from a station.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example process operable to facilitate managing a unique identifier recovered from a unique identifier response that is received from a station that supports an exchange of unique identifier messages.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example process operable to facilitate managing a unique identifier recovered from a unique identifier response that is received from a station, wherein the unique identifier response includes an identifier duration field.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example process operable to facilitate managing a unique identifier recovered from a unique identifier response that is received from a station, wherein the access point permanently stores the unique identifier when an identifier duration response is not provided.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example process operable to facilitate generating a response to a unique identifier request.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example process operable to facilitate managing a unique identifier recovered from a unique identifier response that is received from a station following a second or subsequent association between an access point and the station.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration operable to facilitate management of a unique identifier for a station.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is desirable to improve upon methods and systems for handling unique identifiers for stations. Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to facilitate an exchange of messages between an access point and a station, wherein the access point requests a unique identifier from the station. The station may either respond with a message declining to provide a unique identifier or respond with a message including a unique identifier to be used by the access point for the station. The response from the station may include additional limitations on the use of the unique identifier by the access point. The access point may enforce different policies against a station depending upon how the station responds to the unique identifier request.

Described herein is an addition of a new message to 802.11 that explicitly allows an access point to ask a station for a unique identifier that it wishes to make known. The message cannot force a station to disclose information since some stations may choose to have decreased performance to preserve their privacy, but it allows a station to share information which is not in the standard today.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example network environment 100 operable to facilitate management of a unique identifier for a station. In embodiments, video, voice, and/or data services may be delivered to one or more stations 105 over one or more signal paths. Stations 105 may include a laptop, mobile device, tablet, computer, set-top box (STB), gaming device, wearable device, and any other device operable to receive video, voice, and/or data services. It should be understood that various data, multimedia, and/or voice services may be delivered to the stations 105, including but not limited to streaming video, streaming audio, file transfer, email, telephony services, and others.

Multiple services may be delivered to stations 105 over one or more local wireless networks 110. The local wireless network(s) 110 may include a wireless local area network (WLAN), personal area network (PAN), mobile hotspot network, and others. The local network 110 may be provided at a subscriber premise by one or more access points 115. An access point 115 may be, for example, a CPE (customer premise equipment) device and may include any device configured to facilitate communications between a Wide Area Network (WAN) and one or more stations 105, such as a modem, multimedia terminal adapter (MTA), embedded MTA (EMTA), gateway device, network extender, or other access device. An access point 115 may be integrated with other devices. For example, an access point 115 may include a broadband access modem (e.g., a modem may reside within a gateway device, STB, or other devices). It should be understood that delivery of the multiple services over the local network(s) 110 may be accomplished using a variety of standards and formats. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that stations 105 may be capable of interacting and communicating with each other and/or with an access point 115 over various wireless communication standards (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).

In embodiments, an access point 115 may be connected to a broadband access network 120 and may route communications between one or more stations 105 and a WAN (wide-area network) 125 through the connection to the broadband access network 120. Note that the broadband access network may itself be wired or wireless.

In general, and according to wireless communication standards, a station 105 will constantly probe for a new network if the station 105 is not currently connected. Typically, the probe messages contain, among other fields, a MAC (media access control) address for the station 105. A coordinated network may track movements of an end user by tracking the probe messages received at different access points if the network has knowledge of the MAC address of the end user's device.

To offer additional privacy to an end user, MAC randomization may be utilized. Randomized MAC addresses may be facilitated by using MAC addresses from the local MAC address space. A local MAC address can be identified if a “local” bit is set (e.g., second bit of the first byte of the MAC address). Use of a local MAC address space minimizes the chance of a device choosing a MAC address that might already be in use by another device. Use of this MAC address space also suggests to a receiving device (e.g., access point) that it has received a randomized MAC (rMAC) address which may influence actions that it takes with respect to that station.

Different device vendors have chosen to make use of randomized MAC addresses in different ways. For example, when a station is unassociated, the station may be configured to use a randomized MAC address that changes periodically when sending probe requests (e.g., rMAC is changed with each probe request, rMAC is changed after a specific time interval, etc.). A station may be configured to use an rMAC as a default option or as an option selected by an end user. When a station is associating with an SSID (service set identifier) provided by an access point, the station may be configured to use the same rMAC consistently for a given SSID, use a new rMAC for each association to an SSID, or may change an rMAC after a certain time interval (e.g., a new rMAC for each day, week, etc.). After a station has completed association, the station may be configured to use the same rMAC or may be configured to periodically change the rMAC used by the station after some event, such as the loss and reacquisition of that association. The association of a station 105 with an access point 115 may include the process of the station 105 joining a service set (e.g., SSID) or network that is provided by the access point 115.

In embodiments, the access point 115 may be configured to provide various features such as parental controls, device steering, and others depending upon the ability of the access point 115 to consistently identify a station 105 across association events. Additionally, infrastructure systems may use past behavior to provide improved steering and other services to a station 105, which would not be available if the station 105 cannot be recognized when it returns to the infrastructure ESS (extended service set)/BSS (basic service set).

To allow flexibility, a secured communication exchange (e.g., action frame exchange) is defined herein to allow an access point 115 to ask a station 105 for an additional, unique identifier. The communication exchange may include a unique identifier request that is output from the access point 115, and received by a station 105, and a unique identifier response that is transmitted from the station 105, to the access point 115, in response to unique identifier request. An access point 115 may enforce different policies against a station 105 depending upon how the station 105 responds to the unique identifier request. The communication exchange between the access point 115 and station 105 may be secured and kept private. The unique identifier request and unique identifier response messages may be wireless communications (e.g., 802.11 messages).

In embodiments, the request for a unique identifier may include an identification of type of network (e.g., network associated with an SSID) provided by the access point 115 (e.g., private data network, private guest network, hotspot network, public network, etc.) and/or an indication as to whether the network provided by the access point 115 is encrypted or not encrypted. The station 105 may be configured to respond to the unique identifier request based upon the type of network identified by the request and/or whether encryption is enabled. For example, the station 105 may apply a filter to the identification of the network type within the request to determine whether to respond. Based on the information within the request, the station 105 may determine the encryption on the information it provides. In embodiments, the unique identifier request may include an identification of a network encryption type.

In embodiments, a unique identifier response may include an indication whether the station 105 is providing the access point 115 with a unique identifier. For example, the station 105 may be configured to determine whether to provide a unique identifier based upon the type of network and/or encryption provided by the access point 115. The unique identifier response may include an identification of a length of a unique identifier to be associated with the station 105 and may include the unique identifier that is to be associated with the station 105. In embodiments, the unique identifier response may include an optional field for an identifier duration value. If no identifier duration value is included, the access point 115 may use the unique identifier for the station 105 for a default duration of time (e.g., only during the current association of the station 105 with the access point 115, permanently, etc.). Alternatively, the identifier duration value may indicate that the unique identifier is to be used for the station 105 only for the duration of the current association between the station 105 and the access point 115, upon which the access point 115 will store the unique identifier for the station 105 until the current association between the station 105 and the access point 115 ends. As another example, the identifier duration value may include a specific duration (e.g., time in seconds) for which the access point 115 stores the unique identifier for the station 105. In embodiments, the unique identifier response may include an optional field in which vendor specific options may be included.

When, during a first association between an access point 115 and a station 105, the access point 115 is authorized to permanently store the unique identifier for the station 105, the access point 115 may continue to store and/or use the unique identifier for the station 105. After the first association has ended, and during a second or subsequent association between the station 105 and the access point 115, the station 105 may be using a different identifier (e.g., rMAC) than one that was used by the station 105 during the first association between the access point 115 and the station 105. However, during the second or subsequent association, the station 105 may be using the same unique identifier (e.g., a unique identifier provided to the access point 115 through a unique identifier response) as the one that was used by the station 105 during the first association. In embodiments, during the second association between the access point 115 and the station 105, the access point 115 may recognize that the station 105 is using the same unique identifier as one that was previously used by the station during a previous association. In response, the access point 115 may use authorization(s) and/or behaviors, and/or enable one or more services or features that were used and/or enabled during a previous association between the access point 115 and the station 105. During the second or subsequent associations between the access point 115 and the station 105, the access point 115 may use these authorization(s) and/or permissions, and/or enable these services or features without requesting corresponding authorization(s) and/or permission(s) from the station 105 during the second/subsequent association(s) between the access point 115 and the station 105.

In embodiments, a station 105 may be configured with one or more requirements and/or limitations to be placed on an associated unique identifier. For example, the station 105 may decline to provide a unique identifier to an access point 115 when a type of network and/or an encryption status of a network with which the station 105 is associated do not meet certain criteria. Based on the network type and/or encryption status of a network, the station 105 may respond to a unique identifier request with a unique identifier response that does not include a unique identifier. Alternatively, if the network type and/or encryption status of the network meet certain criteria, the station 105 may generate a unique identifier response that provides the access point 115 with a unique identifier for the station 105 but limits the use or duration for which the access point 115 may use/store the unique identifier (e.g., a use limitation may be included in the unique identifier response).

In embodiments, a station 105 may generate a unique identifier based upon an algorithm with which the station 105 is configured and/or based upon a user input of a unique identifier or criteria for generating a unique identifier. For example, an end user may input a unique identifier to be used by the station 105, or the station 105 may be configured to generate a random unique identifier based upon a key. The unique identifier provided by the station 105 may be an identifier other than a MAC address of the station 105 or it may be the MAC address of the station 105.

The action frame may be available to an access point 115 after a station 105 has become associated. The action frame and response may be encrypted, assuming that the association is with a secure SSID so that the unique identifier provided by the station 105 within a response is protected from a person who is receiving the wireless transmission. A station 105 may consider only responding to the unique identifier request if the SSID is secure. For example, the station 105 may be configured to disregard a unique identifier request when the station 105 is associated with a network that is not secure (e.g., a public network or unencrypted network).

It should be understood that various requirements for and/or restrictions on the form of a unique identifier may be implemented. For example, a unique identifier may be required to be from a local MAC address space, or to take a certain form such as the UUID form popularized by Microsoft. A scenario may exist where only a specific configuration may be accepted by an access point as a unique identifier. In embodiments, an access point 115 may be able to ask any station 105 for a permanent unique identifier (e.g., a permanent MAC address, serial number, or other identifier).

A station 105 may present a local MAC address or an otherwise randomized MAC address while probing or after association. For some access points 115 and associated network services, a local MAC address that may change with each ESS association may restrict the services that an access point 115 can offer without additional authentication. An access point may use the unique identifier request message to request that an associated station 105 provide an identifying value that can be used across association events to consistently identify the particular station 105, even if its MAC address changes. The unique identifier request message may also include vendor specific information. Since the unique identifier request message is sent after a secure association is in place and PMF has been negotiated between the requesting access point 115 and the target station 105, then the unique identifier in the unique identifier response will be secure and kept private.

A station 105 may receive a unique identifier request message from its associated access point 115 after a secure association is in place. The station 105 may respond with a unique identifier response that declines to provide the requesting access point 115 with a unique identifier, for example, if the station 105 does not trust the access point 115. The station 105 may respond with a unique identifier and also indicate the amount of time that the access point 115 may expect that unique identifier to be valid in an identifier duration field. If the station 105 does not indicate an identifier duration for the unique identifier, then the access point 115 may consider the unique identifier to be permanent. The unique identifier response may also include vendor specific information. An access point 115 might restrict access to the DS (downstream) in an implementation specific manner based on the unique identifier response or lack thereof from the station 105.

FIG. 2A shows an example format for a unique identifier request 205. The unique identifier request 205 may be transmitted from an access point 115 of FIG. 1 to a station 105 of FIG. 1 after the station 105 is associated with the access point 115. The unique identifier request 205 may be, for example, a secured action frame. The unique identifier request 205 may include a requesting network type field 210 and an encryption enabled field 215. A value (e.g., 1 byte) within the requesting network type field 210 may be used to identify a type of network with which a station is associated (e.g., value of 1=private data network; 2=private guest network; 3=hotspot network; etc.). A value (e.g., 1 byte) within the encryption enabled field 215 may be used to identify whether or not the network with which a station is associated is encrypted or not (e.g., value of 0=not encrypted; 1=encrypted; etc.).

FIG. 2B shows an example format for a unique identifier response 220. The unique identifier response 220 may be transmitted from a station 105 to an access point 115 in response to receiving a unique identifier request from the access point 115. The unique identifier response 220 may be, for example, a secured action frame. The unique identifier response 220 may include a response code field 225, an optional identifier length field 230, an optional unique identifier field 235, an optional identifier duration field 240, and/or an optional vendor specific information field 245. A value (e.g., 1 byte) within the response code field 225 may be used to identify whether a station is providing a unique identifier to be used by the access point for the station (e.g., a value of 0=decline to provide a unique identifier; 1=unique identifier is provided, etc.). A value (e.g., 1 byte) within the identifier length field 230 may be used to identify the length of a unique identifier that is provided. A unique identifier to be used by the access point for the station may be provided within the unique identifier field 235. A value (e.g., 2 bytes) within the identifier duration field 240 may be used to identify a duration for which the access point is to use the unique identifier provided for the station (e.g., 0=use unique identifier only for current association; 1-FFFF=a time in seconds for which the unique identifier is to be used, etc.). If the identifier duration field 240 is left blank, the access point may use the unique identifier for a default duration (e.g., permanently or some other specific duration of time). The vendor specific information field 245 may be used to provide any additional information or parameters associated with the station.

FIG. 3A shows an example format for a unique identifier request 305 that includes an ID (identifier) query action field. The unique identifier request 305 may be transmitted from an access point 115 of FIG. 1 to a station 105 of FIG. 1 after the station 105 is associated with the access point 115. The unique identifier request 305 may include a category field 310, an ID query action field 315, and an optional vendor specific information field 320. In embodiments, an ID query action field may be included within the unique identifier request and/or unique identifier response. Two action frame formats are defined to allow an access point 115 to query a station 105 for a unique identifier. An ID query action field, in the octet field immediately after the category field differentiates the formats. The ID query may be sent whether or not the station 105 provided a local MAC address.

The ID query request frame uses the action frame body format. It is transmitted from an access point to a station to request that the station provide a unique identifier that the access point may store and use for future identification of the station. The format of the action field in the ID query request frame is shown in FIG. 3A. The vendor specific information field 320 is optionally present and may include one or more vendor-specific elements.

FIG. 3B shows an example format for a unique identifier response 325 that includes an ID query action field. The unique identifier response 325 may be transmitted from a station 105 to an access point 115 in response to receiving a unique identifier request from the access point 115. The unique identifier response 325 may include a category field 330, an ID query action field 335, an ID query response field 340, an optional identifier length field 345, an optional unique identifier field 350, an optional identifier duration 355, and an optional vendor specific information field 360. The ID query response frame uses the action frame body format. The unique identifier response 325 is transmitted from a station to an access point in response to a request that the station provide a unique non-transitory identifier.

An embodiment of the format of the action field in the ID query response frame is shown in FIG. 3B. A value in the ID query response field may be used to identify whether the station declines to provide a unique identifier, or the station is providing a unique identifier. The station has the option to indicate that it will not provide a unique identifier value or that it will. When the ID query response field value is 0, the identifier length field, unique identifier field, identifier duration field and vendor specific information field are not present. When the ID query response field value is 1, the identifier length field, unique identifier field, identifier duration field and vendor specific information field are optionally present. The identifier length field indicates the length of the response in octets. The unique identifier field provides the identification value that the requesting access point may use to identify this station without regard to the MAC address used by the station in the MAC header. The unique identifier field 350 may have one or more minimal requirements (e.g., 16 octets, large enough to allow the use of a UUID, etc.). A value within the identifier duration field may be used to identify a duration for which the access point is to use the unique identifier provided for the station (e.g., 0=use unique identifier only for current association; 1-65535=a time in minutes for which the unique identifier is to be used, etc.). A station may indicate that the unique identifier is permanent by not including this field while including a unique identifier in the unique identifier response 325. Otherwise, the lifetime of the unique identifier is as indicated.

The station capabilities information elements exchanged during association may include an extended capability bit to indicate whether a station can support an ID query action frame. For example, the extended capability bit may be set to 1 to indicate that a station can support an ID query action frame. At a higher layer, a user may direct a station to not share a permanent or semi-permanent identifier, so a station may still decline to provide a unique identifier even though it indicates support for the message. The vendor specific information field is optionally present when the ID query response field is 0 or 1 and includes one or more vendor-specific elements.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example access point 115 operable to facilitate management of a unique identifier for a station 105. The access point 115 may include a subscriber interface 405, a network interface 410, a unique identifier exchange module 415, and a unique identifier data store 420. The station 105 may include a LAN interface 425 and a unique identifier exchange module 430.

In embodiments, communications may be output to and/or received from one or more stations 105 through a subscriber interface 405. Wireless communications and messages, comprising data, video, and/or voice communications, may be output from and/or received through the subscriber interface 405. It should be understood that the subscriber interface 405 may be configured to receive and/or output communications using various communication techniques, protocols, and standards (e.g., Wi-Fi). In embodiments, communications may be output to and/or received from one or more upstream networks (e.g., broadband access network 120 of FIG. 1, WAN 125 of FIG. 1, etc.) through the network interface 410.

In embodiments, the unique identifier exchange module 415 may generate and output unique identifier request messages. The unique identifier exchange module 415 may receive unique identifier response messages from stations 105, and the unique identifier exchange module 415 may ignore or store unique identifiers provided by unique identifier response messages according to various limitations and/or use/storage requirements retrieved from the unique identifier response messages. For example, the unique identifier exchange module 415 may store unique identifiers for one or more stations 105 within the unique identifier data store 420 (e.g., an association between a unique identifier and a station from which the unique identifier is received may be stored). The unique identifier provided by a unique identifier response that is received from a station may be stored as an identifier to be used to identify the specific station.

The unique identifier exchange module 415 may facilitate the use of unique identifiers for one or more stations to enable or disable one or more services or features provided to the stations 105 by the access point 115 (e.g., parental controls, device tracking, etc.). For example, when a station 105 provides a unique identifier for use by the access point 115, the access point 115 may enable one or more features or services offered to the station by the access point, wherein the one or more services require the use of a consistent and unique identifier of the station. When a station 105 declines to provide a unique identifier for use by the access point 115, the access point 115 may disable one or more features or services offered to the station by the access point, wherein the one or more services require the use of a consistent and unique identifier of the station.

In embodiments, a station 105 may transmit communications to and receive wireless communications from an access point 115 through the LAN interface 425.

The unique identifier exchange module 430 may receive unique identifier request messages from the access point 115 and generate and output unique identifier response messages. In embodiments, the unique identifier exchange module 430 may retrieve and/or generate a unique identifier for the station 105, and the unique identifier exchange module 430 may populate a unique identifier response message with the unique identifier for the station and/or one or more other field values (e.g., identifier duration value, vendor specific information, etc.). The unique identifier exchange module 430 may be configured with parameters and requirements (e.g., network type and/or encryption status requirements) for responding to a unique identifier request message.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 500 operable to facilitate managing a unique identifier recovered from a unique identifier response that is received from a station. The process 500 can begin after a station (e.g., station 105 of FIG. 1) is associated with an access point (e.g., access point 115 of FIG. 1). The unique identifier response/request messages may be facilitated by a unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4 and/or a unique identifier exchange module 430 of FIG. 4. The process 500 can begin at 505, when a unique identifier request is output to a station 105. When the station 105 has been associated with the access point 115, the access point 115 may generate and transmit a unique identifier request (e.g., unique identifier request 205 of FIG. 2A or 305 of FIG. 3A) to the station 105. The unique identifier request comprises a request that the station respond with a unique identifier that is to be used by the access point for the station.

At 510, a unique identifier response may be received from the station. For example, the access point 115 may receive the unique identifier response (e.g., unique identifier response 220 of FIG. 2B or 325 of FIG. 3B) from the station 105, and the unique identifier response may include an indication that the station either is or is not providing a unique identifier that is to be used for the station. The indication may be provided within a response code field 225 of FIG. 2B or ID query response field 340 of FIG. 3B.

At 515, a determination may be made whether the unique identifier response provides a unique identifier to be used for the station. In embodiments, the access point 115 may make this determination based upon whether a unique identifier is present within the unique identifier response or based upon whether the unique identifier response provides an indication whether a unique identifier is provided by the response.

If, at 515, the determination is made that a unique identifier is provided by the unique identifier response, the process 500 may proceed to 520. At 520, the access point 115 may store the unique identifier for the station 105. For example, the access point 115 (e.g., unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4) may retrieve the unique identifier from the unique identifier response and store the unique identifier (e.g., within the unique identifier data store 420 of FIG. 4) as the identifier to be used for the station 105. It will be appreciated that the access point 115 may then provide a variety of features (e.g., parental controls, end user tracking, etc.) to an end user by utilizing the stored association between the station and the unique identifier that is retrieved from the unique identifier response. For example, the access point 115 may enable, for the station 105, one or more features that are offered to stations for which a unique identifier is known.

If, at 515, the determination is made that a unique identifier is not provided by the unique identifier response, the process 500 may proceed to 525. At 525, the station 105 may be flagged as a station without a unique identifier. The access point may flag the station 105 as having declined or as being unable to provide a unique identifier other than an identifier that is already known (e.g., a MAC address of the station 105) to the access point 115. Alternatively, the access point 115 may simply do nothing in response to the determination that a unique identifier is not provided by the unique identifier response.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 600 operable to facilitate managing a unique identifier recovered from a unique identifier response that is received from a station that supports an exchange of unique identifier messages. The process 600 can begin after a station (e.g., station 105 of FIG. 1) is associated with an access point (e.g., access point 115 of FIG. 1). Unique identifier response/request messages may be facilitated by a unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4 and/or a unique identifier exchange module 430 of FIG. 4. The process 600 can begin at 605, when a unique identifier request is output to a station 105. When the station 105 has been associated with the access point 115, the access point 115 may generate and transmit a unique identifier request (e.g., unique identifier request 205 of FIG. 2A or 305 of FIG. 3A) to the station 105. The unique identifier request may include a request that the station respond with a unique identifier that is to be used by the access point for the station.

At 610, a unique identifier response may be received from the station. For example, the access point 115 may receive the unique identifier response (e.g., unique identifier response 220 of FIG. 2B or 325 of FIG. 3B) from the station 105, and the unique identifier response may include an indication whether the station 105 supports the creation and delivery of a unique identifier to the access point 115 (e.g., the indication may be provided within a response code field 225 of FIG. 2B, an ID query action field 335 of FIG. 3B, an ID query response field 340 of FIG. 3B, or other field of the response). The unique identifier response may include an indication that the station either is or is not providing a unique identifier that is to be used for the station. The indication may be provided within a response code field 225 of FIG. 2B or ID query response field 340 of FIG. 3B.

At 615, a determination may be made whether the station supports the creation and delivery of a unique identifier to the access point. For example, the access point 115 may determine whether the station 105 can provide a unique identifier (other than a known identifier such as a MAC address) based upon an indication provided within the unique identifier response. In embodiments, this determination may be made based upon the value of a capability bit. For example, if the capability bit is not set, the access point 115 may not ask the station 105 for a unique identifier.

If, at 615, the determination is made that the station does not support the creation and delivery of a unique identifier, the process 600 may proceed to 620. At 620, the station 105 may be flagged as a station without a unique identifier. The access point 115 may flag the station 105 as being unable to provide a unique identifier other than an identifier that is already known (e.g., a MAC address of the station 105) to the access point 115. Alternatively, the access point 115 may simply do nothing in response to the determination that the station cannot provide a unique identifier.

If, at 615, the determination is made that the station is capable of creating and delivering a unique identifier, the process 600 may proceed to 625. At 625, a determination may be made whether the unique identifier response provides a unique identifier to be used for the station. In embodiments, the access point 115 may make this determination based upon whether a unique identifier is present within the unique identifier response or based upon whether the unique identifier response provides an indication whether a unique identifier is provided by the response.

If, at 625, the determination is made that a unique identifier is not provided by the unique identifier response, the process 600 may proceed to 620. At 620, the station 105 may be flagged as a station without a unique identifier. The access point may flag the station 105 as having declined or as being unable to provide a unique identifier other than an identifier that is already known (e.g., a MAC address of the station 105) to the access point 115. Alternatively, the access point 115 may simply do nothing in response to the determination that a unique identifier is not provided by the unique identifier response.

If, at 625, the determination is made that a unique identifier is provided by the unique identifier response, the process 600 may proceed to 630. At 630, the access point 115 may store the unique identifier for the station 105. For example, the access point 115 (e.g., unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4) may retrieve the unique identifier from the unique identifier response and store the unique identifier (e.g., within the unique identifier data store 420 of FIG. 4) as the identifier to be used for the station 105. It will be appreciated that the access point 115 may then provide a variety of features (e.g., parental controls, end user tracking, etc.) to an end user by utilizing the stored association between the station and the unique identifier that is retrieved from the unique identifier response. For example, the access point 115 may enable, for the station 105, one or more features that are offered to stations for which a unique identifier is known.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 700 operable to facilitate managing a unique identifier recovered from a unique identifier response that is received from a station, wherein the unique identifier response includes an identifier duration field. The process 700 can begin after a station (e.g., station 105 of FIG. 1) is associated with an access point (e.g., access point 115 of FIG. 1). Unique identifier response/request messages may be facilitated by a unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4 and/or a unique identifier exchange module 430 of FIG. 4. The process 700 can begin at 705, when a unique identifier request is output to a station 105. When the station 105 has been associated with the access point 115, the access point 115 may generate and transmit a unique identifier request (e.g., unique identifier request 205 of FIG. 2A or 305 of FIG. 3A) to the station 105. The unique identifier request may include a request that the station respond with a unique identifier that is to be used by the access point for the station.

At 710, a unique identifier response may be received from the station. For example, the access point 115 may receive the unique identifier response (e.g., unique identifier response 220 of FIG. 2B or 325 of FIG. 3B) from the station 105, and the unique identifier response may include an indication that the station either is or is not providing a unique identifier that is to be used for the station. The indication may be provided within a response code field 225 of FIG. 2B or ID query response field 340 of FIG. 3B.

At 715, a determination may be made whether the unique identifier response provides a unique identifier to be used for the station. In embodiments, the access point 115 may make this determination based upon whether a unique identifier is present within the unique identifier response or based upon whether the unique identifier response provides an indication whether a unique identifier is provided by the response.

If, at 715, the determination is made that a unique identifier is not provided by the unique identifier response, the process 700 may proceed to 720. At 720, the station 105 may be flagged as a station without a unique identifier. The access point may flag the station 105 as having declined or as being unable to provide a unique identifier other than an identifier that is already known (e.g., a MAC address of the station 105) to the access point 115. Alternatively, the access point 115 may simply do nothing in response to the determination that a unique identifier is not provided by the unique identifier response.

If, at 715, the determination is made that a unique identifier is provided by the unique identifier response, the process 700 may proceed to 725. At 725, a determination may be made whether an identifier duration is provided within the unique identifier response. In embodiments, the unique identifier response may include an identifier duration field (e.g., identifier duration field 240 of FIG. 2B or identifier duration field 355 of FIG. 3B). If the identifier duration field has a value of zero (0) or is otherwise left blank, the access point 115 (e.g., the unique identifier exchange module 415) may determine that no identifier duration is provided. If the identifier duration field has a value other than zero (0), the access point 115 (e.g., the unique identifier exchange module 415) may determine that an identifier duration is provided.

If, at 725, the determination is made that no identifier duration is provided by the unique identifier response, the process 700 may proceed to 730. At 730, the access point 115 may store the unique identifier for the station 105 for a default duration. For example, the access point 115 may store the unique identifier for the station for a default duration, the default duration being the duration of a current association between the station 105 and the access point 115, permanently storing the unique identifier at the access point 115, or some other duration of time that is set as the default duration. In embodiments, the access point 115 (e.g., unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4) may retrieve the unique identifier from the unique identifier response and store the unique identifier (e.g., within the unique identifier data store 420 of FIG. 4) as the identifier to be used for the station 105. It will be appreciated that the access point 115 may then provide a variety of features (e.g., parental controls, end user tracking, etc.) to an end user by utilizing the stored association between the station and the unique identifier that is retrieved from the unique identifier response. For example, the access point 115 may enable, for the station 105, one or more features that are offered to stations for which a unique identifier is known.

If, at 725, the determination is made that an identifier duration is provided by the unique identifier response, the process 700 may proceed to 735. At 735, the access point 115 may store the unique identifier for the station 105 for the specific duration that is provided by the unique identifier response. For example, a value within the identifier duration field of the unique identifier response may indicate a duration of time (e.g., number of seconds, minutes, etc.) for which the unique identifier is to be used by the access point 115, and the access point 115 may only use the unique identifier for the station for the indicated duration of time. In embodiments, the access point 115 (e.g., unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4) may retrieve the unique identifier from the unique identifier response and store the unique identifier (e.g., within the unique identifier data store 420 of FIG. 4) as the identifier to be used for the station 105. It will be appreciated that the access point 115 may then provide a variety of features (e.g., parental controls, end user tracking, etc.) to an end user by utilizing the stored association between the station and the unique identifier that is retrieved from the unique identifier response. For example, the access point 115 may enable, for the station 105, one or more features that are offered to stations for which a unique identifier is known.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 800 operable to facilitate managing a unique identifier recovered from a unique identifier response that is received from a station, wherein the access point permanently stores the unique identifier when an identifier duration response is not provided. The process 800 can begin after a station (e.g., station 105 of FIG. 1) is associated with an access point (e.g., access point 115 of FIG. 1). Unique identifier response/request messages may be facilitated by a unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4 and/or a unique identifier exchange module 430 of FIG. 4. The process 800 can begin at 805, when a unique identifier request is output to a station 105. When the station 105 has been associated with the access point 115, the access point 115 may generate and transmit a unique identifier request (e.g., unique identifier request 205 of FIG. 2A or 305 of FIG. 3A) to the station 105. The unique identifier request may include a request that the station respond with a unique identifier that is to be used by the access point for the station.

At 810, a unique identifier response may be received from the station. For example, the access point 115 may receive the unique identifier response (e.g., unique identifier response 220 of FIG. 2B or 325 of FIG. 3B) from the station 105, and the unique identifier response may include an indication that the station either is or is not providing a unique identifier that is to be used for the station. The indication may be provided within a response code field 225 of FIG. 2B or ID query response field 340 of FIG. 3B.

At 815, a determination may be made whether the unique identifier response provides a unique identifier to be used for the station. In embodiments, the access point 115 may make this determination based upon whether a unique identifier is present within the unique identifier response or based upon whether the unique identifier response provides an indication whether a unique identifier is provided by the response.

If, at 815, the determination is made that a unique identifier is not provided by the unique identifier response, the process 800 may proceed to 820. At 820, the station 105 may be flagged as a station without a unique identifier. The access point 115 may flag the station 105 as having declined or as being unable to provide a unique identifier other than an identifier that is already known (e.g., a MAC address of the station 105) to the access point 115. Alternatively, the access point 115 may simply do nothing in response to the determination that a unique identifier is not provided by the unique identifier response.

If, at 815, the determination is made that a unique identifier is provided by the unique identifier response, the process 800 may proceed to 825. At 825, a determination may be made whether an identifier duration response is provided within the unique identifier response. In embodiments, the unique identifier response may include an identifier duration field (e.g., identifier duration field 240 of FIG. 2B or identifier duration field 355 of FIG. 3B). If the identifier duration field 240 is left off the unique identifier response, the access point 115 may determine that no identifier duration response is provided. If the identifier duration field 240 is included within the unique identifier response, the access point 115 may determine that an identifier duration response is provided.

If, at 825, the determination is made that no identifier duration response is provided, the process 800 may proceed to 830. At 830, the access point may store/use the unique identifier for the station for some duration. For example, the access point may not delete or terminate use of the unique identifier for a specific duration of time or after the current association between the access point and the station is ended. In embodiments, the access point 115 (e.g., unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4) may retrieve the unique identifier from the unique identifier response and store the unique identifier (e.g., within the unique identifier data store 420 of FIG. 4) as the identifier to be used for the station 105. It will be appreciated that the access point 115 may then provide a variety of features (e.g., parental controls, end user tracking, etc.) to an end user by utilizing the stored association between the station and the unique identifier that is retrieved from the unique identifier response. For example, the access point 115 may enable, for the station 105, one or more features that are offered to stations for which a unique identifier is known.

If, at 825, the determination is made that an identifier duration response is provided, the process 800 may proceed to 835. At 835, a determination may be made whether a specific duration is provided by the identifier duration response. For example, if the identifier duration response includes a value of zero (0) or some other default value, the access point 115 may determine that no specific duration is provided, and if the identifier duration response includes any other value, the access point 115 may determine that a specific duration is provided.

If, at 835, the determination is made that no specific identifier duration is provided by the identifier duration response, the process 800 may proceed to 840. At 840, the access point 115 may store the unique identifier for the station 105 for a default duration. For example, the default duration may be the duration of a current association between the station 105 and the access point 115, in which case, the access point 115 will delete or otherwise stop using the unique identifier for the station after the current association between the station and the access point is ended. In embodiments, the access point 115 (e.g., unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4) may retrieve the unique identifier from the unique identifier response and store the unique identifier (e.g., within the unique identifier data store 420 of FIG. 4) as the identifier to be used for the station 105. It will be appreciated that the access point 115 may then provide a variety of features (e.g., parental controls, end user tracking, etc.) to an end user by utilizing the stored association between the station and the unique identifier that is retrieved from the unique identifier response. For example, the access point 115 may enable, for the station 105, one or more features that are offered to stations for which a unique identifier is known.

If, at 835, the determination is made that a specific identifier duration is provided by the identifier duration response, the process 800 may proceed to 845. At 845, the access point 115 may store the unique identifier for the station 105 for the specific duration that is provided by the identifier duration response. For example, a value within the identifier duration field of the unique identifier response may indicate a duration of time (e.g., number of seconds, minutes, etc.) for which the unique identifier is to be used by the access point 115, and the access point 115 may only use the unique identifier for the station for the indicated duration of time. In embodiments, the access point 115 (e.g., unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4) may retrieve the unique identifier from the unique identifier response and store the unique identifier (e.g., within the unique identifier data store 420 of FIG. 4) as the identifier to be used for the station 105. It will be appreciated that the access point 115 may then provide a variety of features (e.g., parental controls, end user tracking, etc.) to an end user by utilizing the stored association between the station and the unique identifier that is retrieved from the unique identifier response. For example, the access point 115 may enable, for the station 105, one or more features that are offered to stations for which a unique identifier is known.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 900 operable to facilitate generating a response to a unique identifier request. The process 900 can begin after a station (e.g., station 105 of FIG. 1) is associated with an access point (e.g., access point 115 of FIG. 1). Unique identifier response/request messages may be facilitated by a unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4 and/or a unique identifier exchange module 430 of FIG. 4. The process 900 can begin at 905, when a unique identifier request is received at a station 105, wherein the unique identifier request is output to the station 105 from an access point 115. When the station 105 has been associated with the access point 115, the access point 115 may generate and transmit a unique identifier request (e.g., unique identifier request 205 of FIG. 2A or 305 of FIG. 3A) to the station 105. The unique identifier request may include a request that the station respond with a unique identifier that is to be used by the access point for the station.

At 910, a network type may be identified from the unique identifier request. In embodiments, the unique identifier request may include an indication of the type of network provided by the access point 115 and with which the station 105 is currently associated (e.g., the indication may be provided within a requesting network type field 210 of FIG. 2A, a category field 310 of FIG. 3A, an ID query action field 315 of FIG. 3A, etc.). The unique identifier request may also include an indication as to whether the network is encrypted or unencrypted (e.g., the indication may be provided within an encryption enabled field 215 of FIG. 2A, a category field 310 of FIG. 3A, an ID query action field 315 of FIG. 3A, etc.). From the unique identifier request, the station 105 (e.g., the unique identifier exchange module 430) may determine the type of network (e.g., private network, public network, hotspot network, etc.) with which the station is associated and/or whether the network is encrypted or unencrypted.

At 915, a determination may be made whether a unique identifier generation feature is enabled for the identified network type and/or encryption status. For example, the station 105 (e.g., the unique identifier exchange module 430) may determine whether to provide the access point 115 with a unique identifier based upon the identification of the network type and/or the indication whether the network is encrypted or unencrypted. The station 105 may be configured with, for example, a filter to only allow the station 105 to provide an access point 115 with a unique identifier when the network with which the station 105 is associated is of a certain type and/or utilizing a certain encryption status or level. For example, the station 105 may be configured to only provide an access point with a unique identifier when the network with which the station is associated is a private network and/or an encrypted network.

If, at 915, the determination is made that the unique identifier generation feature is not enabled for the identified network type and/or encryption status, the process 900 may proceed to 920. At 920, a unique identifier response may be generated, wherein the unique identifier response does not include a unique identifier for the station. For example, the station may generate a unique identifier response having a value of a certain field (e.g., a response code field 225 of FIG. 2B or ID query response field 340 of FIG. 3B may be given a value of zero (0)) that indicates to the access point 115 that the station 105 is declining the option to provide the access point 115 with a unique identifier for the station 105. Alternatively, the station 105 may generate a unique identifier response that provides the access point 115 with a unique identifier for the station 105 but limits the use or duration for which the access point 115 may use/store the unique identifier (e.g., a use limitation may be included in an identifier duration field 240 of FIG. 2B or 355 of FIG. 3B or in some other field of the unique identifier response).

If, at 915, the determination is made that the unique identifier generation feature is enabled for the identified network type and/or encryption status, the process 900 may proceed to 925. At 925, a unique identifier response may be generated, wherein the unique identifier response includes a unique identifier for the station. For example, the station 105 may be configured to generate a unique identifier (e.g., random generation, preconfigured identifier, user input identifier, etc.) to be used by the access point 115. In embodiments, the station 105 may populate one or more other fields of the unique identifier response with values to indicate additional requirements/limitations of the use of the unique identifier by the access point 115 (e.g., identifier duration values, vendor specific options, etc.).

At 930, the unique identifier response generated by the station 105 may be output to the access point 115 from which the unique identifier request was received.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 1000 operable to facilitate managing a unique identifier recovered from a unique identifier response that is received from a station following a second or subsequent association between an access point and the station. The process 1000 can begin after a station (e.g., station 105 of FIG. 1) is associated with an access point (e.g., access point 115 of FIG. 1). The association between the access point 115 and the station 105 may be an association that occurs after a previous association between the access point 115 and the station 105 has ended. It should be understood that during the current association between the access point 115 and the station 105, the station 105 may be using a different identifier (e.g., rMAC) than the station 105 used during a previous association with the access point 115, but the station 105 may, during the current association, use the same unique identifier (e.g., the unique identifier provided in a unique identifier response) as the one used by the station 105 during a previous association with the access point 115. The unique identifier response/request messages may be facilitated by a unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4 and/or a unique identifier exchange module 430 of FIG. 4. The process 1000 can begin at 1005, when a unique identifier request is output to a station 105. When the station 105 has been associated with the access point 115, the access point 115 may generate and transmit a unique identifier request (e.g., unique identifier request 205 of FIG. 2A or 305 of FIG. 3A) to the station 105. The unique identifier request comprises a request that the station respond with a unique identifier that is to be used by the access point for the station.

At 1010, a unique identifier response may be received from the station. For example, the access point 115 may receive the unique identifier response (e.g., unique identifier response 220 of FIG. 2B or 325 of FIG. 3B) from the station 105, and the unique identifier response may include an indication that the station either is or is not providing a unique identifier that is to be used for the station. The indication may be provided within a response code field 225 of FIG. 2B or ID query response field 340 of FIG. 3B.

At 1015, a determination may be made whether the unique identifier response provides a unique identifier to be used for the station. In embodiments, the access point 115 may make this determination based upon whether a unique identifier is present within the unique identifier response or based upon whether the unique identifier response provides an indication whether a unique identifier is provided by the response.

If, at 1015, the determination is made that a unique identifier is not provided by the unique identifier response, the process 1000 may proceed to 1020. At 1020, the station 105 may be flagged as a station without a unique identifier. The access point may flag the station 105 as having declined or as being unable to provide a unique identifier other than an identifier that is already known (e.g., a MAC address of the station 105) to the access point 115. Alternatively, the access point 115 may simply do nothing in response to the determination that a unique identifier is not provided by the unique identifier response.

If, at 1015, the determination is made that a unique identifier is provided by the unique identifier response, the process 1000 may proceed to 1025. At 1025, a determination may be made whether the provided unique identifier is already stored at the access point 115. In embodiments, the access point 115 may have stored the unique identifier for the station 105 during a previous association between the station 105 and the access point 115, wherein the previous association has ended. For example, the unique identifier provided within the unique identifier response that is received by the access point 115 at 1005 may be the same unique identifier as one that was provided by the station 105 during a previous association with the access point 115 (e.g., a unique identifier provided within a unique identifier response that was received during a previous association between the access point 115 and the station 105).

If, at 1025, the determination is made that the unique identifier is not already stored at the access point, the process 1000 may proceed to 1030. At 1030, the access point 115 may store the unique identifier for the station 105. For example, the access point 115 (e.g., unique identifier exchange module 415 of FIG. 4) may retrieve the unique identifier from the unique identifier response and store the unique identifier (e.g., within the unique identifier data store 420 of FIG. 4) as the identifier to be used for the station 105. It will be appreciated that the access point 115 may then provide a variety of features (e.g., parental controls, end user tracking, etc.) to an end user by utilizing the stored association between the station and the unique identifier that is retrieved from the unique identifier response. For example, the access point 115 may enable, for the station 105, one or more features that are offered to stations for which a unique identifier is known.

If, at 1025, the determination is made that the unique identifier is already stored at the access point, the process 1000 may proceed to 1035. At 1035, the access point 115 may use authorization(s) and/or behavior(s) used during a previous association between the access point 115 and the station 105. For example, the access point 115 may use authorization(s) and/or behaviors, and/or enable one or more services or features that were used and/or enabled during a previous association between the access point 115 and the station 105. In embodiments, during the current association between the access point 115 and the station 105, the access point 115 may use authorization(s) and/or behaviors, and/or enable one or more services or features that were used and/or enabled during a previous association between the access point 115 and the station 105 without requesting corresponding authorization(s) and/or permission(s) from the station 105 during the current association between the access point 115 and the station 105.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration 1100 operable to facilitate management of a unique identifier for a station. The hardware configuration 1100 can include a processor 1110, a memory 1120, a storage device 1130, and an input/output device 1140. Each of the components 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 can, for example, be interconnected using a system bus 1150. The processor 1110 can be capable of processing instructions for execution within the hardware configuration 1100. In one implementation, the processor 1110 can be a single-threaded processor. In another implementation, the processor 1110 can be a multi-threaded processor. The processor 1110 can be capable of processing instructions stored in the memory 1120 or on the storage device 1130.

The memory 1120 can store information within the hardware configuration 1100. In one implementation, the memory 1120 can be a computer-readable medium. In one implementation, the memory 1120 can be a volatile memory unit. In another implementation, the memory 1120 can be a non-volatile memory unit.

In some implementations, the storage device 1130 can be capable of providing mass storage for the hardware configuration 1100. In one implementation, the storage device 1130 can be a computer-readable medium. In various different implementations, the storage device 1130 can, for example, include a hard disk device, an optical disk device, flash memory or some other large capacity storage device. In other implementations, the storage device 1130 can be a device external to the hardware configuration 1100.

The input/output device 1140 provides input/output operations for the hardware configuration 1100. In one implementation, the input/output device 1140 can include one or more of a network interface device (e.g., an Ethernet card), a serial communication device (e.g., an RS-232 port), one or more universal serial bus (USB) interfaces (e.g., a USB 2.0 port), one or more wireless interface devices (e.g., an 802.11 card) for outputting video, voice, and/or data services to a station 105 of FIG. 1 (e.g., television, STB, computer, mobile device, tablet, telephone, wearable, etc.). In embodiments, the input/output device can include driver devices configured to send communications to, and receive communications from one or more networks (e.g., local network 110 of FIG. 1, broadband access network 120 of FIG. 1, WAN 125 of FIG. 1, etc.).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention improves upon methods and systems for handling unique identifiers for stations. Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to facilitate an exchange of messages between an access point and a station, wherein the access point requests a unique identifier from the station. The station may either respond with a message declining to provide a unique identifier or respond with a message including a unique identifier to be used by the access point for the station. The response from the station may include additional limitations on the use of the unique identifier by the access point. The access point may enforce different policies against a station depending upon how the station responds to the unique identifier request.

The subject matter of this disclosure, and components thereof, can be realized by instructions that upon execution cause one or more processing devices to carry out the processes and functions described above. Such instructions can, for example, comprise interpreted instructions, such as script instructions, e.g., JavaScript or ECMAScript instructions, or executable code, or other instructions stored in a computer readable medium.

Implementations of the subject matter and the functional operations described in this specification can be provided in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible program carrier for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification are performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output thereby tying the process to a particular machine (e.g., a machine programmed to perform the processes described herein). The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a sub combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results, unless expressly noted otherwise. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In some implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. 

We claim:
 1. A method comprising: outputting a unique identifier request to a station, wherein the unique identifier request is output from an access point; receiving, at the access point, a unique identifier response from the station; determining whether a unique identifier is provided within the unique identifier response; and if a unique identifier is provided within the unique identifier response, storing the unique identifier for the station.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: if a unique identifier is provided within the unique identifier response, enabling one or more features offered to the station by the access point.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the unique identifier request comprises an identification of a type of network provided by the access point.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the unique identifier request comprises an identification of an encryption status of a network provided by the access point.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the unique identifier response comprises an identification of a duration for which the access point can use the unique identifier.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the unique identifier request is output after an association between the station and the access point has been completed.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein, when the unique identifier response does not include an identification of a duration for which the access point can use the unique identifier, the access point continues to store the unique identifier for the station after the association between the station and the access point is ended.
 8. An access point that: outputs a unique identifier request to a station; receives a unique identifier response from the station; determines whether a unique identifier is provided within the unique identifier response; and if a unique identifier is provided within the unique identifier response, stores the unique identifier for the station.
 9. The access point of claim 8, wherein the access point enables one or more features offered to the station by the access point if a unique identifier is provided within the unique identifier response.
 10. The access point of claim 8, wherein the unique identifier request comprises an identification of a type of network provided by the access point.
 11. The access point of claim 8, wherein the unique identifier request comprises an identification of an encryption status of a network provided by the access point.
 12. The access point of claim 8, wherein the unique identifier response comprises an identification of a duration for which the access point can use the unique identifier.
 13. The access point of claim 8, wherein the unique identifier request is output after an association between the station and the access point has been completed.
 14. One or more non-transitory computer readable media having instructions operable to cause one or more processors to perform the operations comprising: outputting a unique identifier request to a station, wherein the unique identifier request is output from an access point; receiving, at the access point, a unique identifier response from the station; determining whether a unique identifier is provided within the unique identifier response; and if a unique identifier is provided within the unique identifier response, storing the unique identifier for the station.
 15. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the instructions are further operable to cause the one or more processors to perform the operations comprising: if a unique identifier is provided within the unique identifier response, enabling one or more features offered to the station by the access point.
 16. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the unique identifier request comprises an identification of a type of network provided by the access point.
 17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the unique identifier request comprises an identification of an encryption status of a network provided by the access point.
 18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the unique identifier response comprises an identification of a duration for which the access point can use the unique identifier.
 19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the unique identifier request is output after an association between the station and the access point has been completed.
 20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 19, wherein, when the unique identifier response does not include an identification of a duration for which the access point can use the unique identifier, the access point continues to store the unique identifier for the station after the association between the station and the access point is ended. 